When it comes to fantasy football quarterback rankings, one name stands head and shoulders above the rest: Josh Allen. The Buffalo Bills signal-caller has locked down either the first or second spot in positional points for an unbelievable six years straight. That kind of consistency is just wild, especially when guys like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow can’t even match it.
Allen’s Unmatched Floor and Why It Matters
Allen is in a class of his own, and it’s not just about the big numbers. What truly sets him apart is his incredible fantasy floor. Think about it: last season, he put up his fewest passing yards (3,668) and passing touchdowns (25) over the last six years, and he *still* finished as the No. 1 fantasy quarterback. That’s absurd! It shows you just how safe of a pick he is. This dude, who was the 2024 NFL MVP, is a rushing threat like no other from the QB position, too. He’s got 41 rushing touchdowns over the last three years, which is the second most in the entire league, regardless of position. Plus, he’s ripped off at least 500 rushing yards in seven of his eight NFL seasons. The problem? Only one manager can snag Allen in their 2026 fantasy drafts, which means everyone else needs a rock-solid backup plan.
The Model’s Crystal Ball: Picking the Next Big Thing
So, if you can’t get Allen, what’s next? That’s where SportsLine’s computer model comes in, and it’s basically got a crystal ball. These pros simulated the entire 2026 NFL season a staggering 10,000 times to give us the lowdown on QB, RB, and WR picks and rankings. This isn’t some shot in the dark, either. This model has a proven track record that’ll make you double-take. Last year, it nailed Daniel Jones’ huge season in his first year with Indy, predicted Terry McLaurin’s down year, called Tetairoa McMillan’s breakout, and even pegged De’Von Achane as an elite running back for 2025. And it doesn’t stop there. This same model identified A.J. Brown as a sleeper back in 2020, perfectly predicted Jonathan Taylor’s monstrous 2021 season, and even foresaw C.J. Stroud taking a step back in 2024. Talk about prescient! It also called sleepers like Derrick Henry in 2019, Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara in 2018, and Davante Adams in 2017. When you’re looking at alternatives, this model suggests using tiers to group players. That helps prevent you from reaching for a guy when you’re on the clock, especially with other top QBs like Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Drake Maye, and Dak Prescott on the board.
For those of us looking beyond Allen, Lamar Jackson is listed right behind him in the 2026 QB rankings. He had a down year in 2025 thanks to injuries and attrition, but everyone knows he’s as explosive as it gets at the position. History shows he plays his best with something to prove, especially after bouncing back big from his injury-plagued 2022 season. So, getting ready for your 2026 fantasy draft means looking at who’s hot and who’s got something to prove. This season is going to be wild, and these rankings are just the start of the battle.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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